UTP dies in Odisha jail, family cries foul

Tension ran high in front of the sub jail at Athmallik in Odisha’s Angul district following death of an under trial prisoner (UTP).

Locals and family members of the UTP are on a dharna in front of the sub jail demanding suspension of the jail superintendent and payment of Rs 20 lakh as compensation to the next of kin of the deceased.

The deceased UTP has been identified as Nityananda Nayak of Basudebpur village. Family members of Nityananda have alleged that his death was caused due to torture in the jail.

“I am not sure whether the UTP died at the jail or at the hospital. The matter is under inquiry. We are also probing the allegations leveled by his family members that he was subjected to torture in the jail. Only after the inquiry report is out we will be able to know the truth. As per norms we will immediately release ex-gratia amount from the district Red Cross funds,” said Srinivas Behera, ADM Angul.